Plastic Pallets
Virgin HDPE & PP plastic pallets - dynamic load up to 2,500 kg, 2-year warranty, nationwide delivery.
Author: Le Van Thang, Director of ICD Vietnam - 15 years advising factories in industrial parks on pallets.
ICD Vietnam supplies 12 lines of plastic pallets molded as single solid units from virgin HDPE (V), recycled HDPE (R) and PP - sizes from 600×600 mm to 1970×1010 mm, dynamic load 500-2,500 kg, static load up to 6,000 kg (steel-reinforced line). Prices from VND 150,000 (used 1100×1100 pallet) to VND 2,800,000 (steel-reinforced 1200×1000 pallet). In stock in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, nationwide delivery within 24-48h, 2-year manufacturer warranty.
Choose plastic pallets when:
- High turnover, long service life: 50-100 transport cycles, 7-20 year lifespan - lower cost of ownership than wooden pallets from year 2-3.
- Cold storage, humid warehouses, food, pharmaceuticals: waterproof, stable operation down to -40°C, pressure-washable, HACCP/GMP compliant.
- Export to EU / US / Japan: exempt from ISPM-15 (no fumigation required), saving USD 1-5 per unit in treatment costs and avoiding the risk of goods being held at port.
1. ICD’s 12 plastic pallet lines
The 12 sub-categories below are classified by base structure and application. Click the line you need to see model details, sizes and prices.
Quick decision framework by line:
- Industrial storage, 4-way electric forklifts - warehouse storage pallets in virgin HDPE, 1,500 kg dynamic load.
- Produce, seafood and cold storage needing drainage - open-deck pallets in HDPE, direct pressure washing.
- Food, pharmaceuticals and loose powders needing a flat solid deck - closed-deck pallets, HACCP/GMP.
- Warehouses using hand pallet trucks and 2-bar beam racking - 3-runner pallets, parallel runners easy to slide a jack under.
- Two-way logistics with empty returns needing nesting - cup-foot pallets, nest 20-30 units to save 70% floor space.
- Export to EU/US/Japan, one-way no return - export pallets, ultra-light, ISO/EUR/GMA standard sizes, ISPM-15 exempt.
- Old concrete floors and damp areas needing a raised surface - floor-lining pallets, flexible 600×600 mm interlocking modules.
- Small, fragile goods and electronics needing partitions - pallet containers with plastic mesh walls.
- Chemical, paint and lubricant plants needing leak collection - spill containment pallets, 60-250 litre sump trays.
- Heavy-duty racking, AS/RS or AGV systems - steel-reinforced pallets, static load up to 6,000 kg, ±1 mm tolerance.
- Internal warehouse use, low budget, no food-grade requirement - used pallets, saving 40-60% versus new units.
2. Technical comparison of all 12 lines
The table below summarizes the key specs of ICD’s 12 plastic pallet lines by common size, dynamic load, static load, racking load and best-fit application. Data is based on the actual product catalog as of May 2026.
| Pallet line | Common size (mm) | Dynamic load | Static load | Racking load | Material | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse storage | 1200×1000×145 | 1,500 kg | 4,000 kg | 1,000 kg | Virgin HDPE | Industrial warehouse, electric forklift |
| Open-deck | 1100×1100 / 1200×1000 | 1,000-1,500 kg | 3,000 kg | 800 kg | Virgin HDPE | Produce, seafood, humid warehouse |
| Closed-deck | 1100×1100 / 1200×1000 | 1,500 kg | 4,000 kg | 1,000 kg | Virgin HDPE | Food, pharma, powdered goods |
| 3-runner | 1100×1100 / 1200×1000 / 1200×800 | 1,000 kg | 3,000 kg | 800 kg | HDPE | Hand pallet truck, beam rack |
| Cup-foot | 1100×1100×140 / 1200×1000 | 1,000 kg | 3,000 kg | 700 kg | HDPE | Two-way logistics, nesting |
| Export | ISO 1100×1100×120 / EUR 1200×800 / GMA 1219×1016 | 1,000 kg | 2,500 kg | 500 kg | Recycled HDPE | EU, US, Japan - one-way |
| Floor-lining | 600×600 module / 1200×1000 | N/A | 500 kg/m² | N/A | PP/HDPE | Old floors, humid warehouse |
| Container | 1100×1100 / 1200×1000 | 800 kg | 2,000 kg | N/A | HDPE | Small, fragile goods |
| Spill containment | 1300×1300 (1 drum) / 1650×1300 (2 drums) | 500 kg | 1,500 kg | N/A | Virgin HDPE | Chemicals, lubricants |
| Cross-bar | 1100×1100 / 1200×1000 | 1,500 kg | 4,000 kg | 1,000 kg | Virgin HDPE | 4-way entry, electric forklift |
| Steel-reinforced | 1200×1000 / 1200×800 | 2,000 kg | 6,000 kg | 2,000 kg | PP + steel | Heavy-duty racking, AS/RS |
| Used pallets | 1100×1100 / 1200×1000 | 800-1,200 kg | 2,000-3,000 kg | 500 kg | HDPE/PP | Internal warehouse, low budget |
V = virgin, R = recycled. Specs measured at room temperature 20-25°C. Racking load applies to standard beam racks with 2 support bars.
3. Plastic pallet price list - May 2026
Plastic pallet prices depend on three main factors: material (virgin HDPE costs 20-35% more than recycled), size (a 1200×1000 mm pallet costs about 15-20% more than 1100×1100 mm), and quantity (wholesale orders from 20 units get an additional 10-15% discount). The prices below are retail, excluding VAT, applicable for May 2026.
3.1. Warehouse storage and closed-deck pallets
| Model | Size (mm) | Static load | Retail price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse storage virgin HDPE 1100 | 1100×1100×145 | 4,000 kg | VND 380,000 |
| Warehouse storage virgin HDPE 1200 | 1200×1000×145 | 4,000 kg | VND 450,000 |
| Closed-deck virgin HDPE 1100 | 1100×1100×150 | 4,000 kg | VND 420,000 |
| Closed-deck virgin HDPE 1200 | 1200×1000×150 | 4,000 kg | VND 490,000 |
3.2. Export and cup-foot pallets
| Model | Size (mm) | Standard | Retail price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export pallet ISO | 1100×1100×120 | ISO 6780 | VND 220,000 |
| Export pallet EUR | 1200×800×120 | EUR 1 | VND 195,000 |
| Export pallet GMA | 1219×1016×120 | GMA (US) | VND 230,000 |
| Cup-foot pallet 1100 | 1100×1100×140 | - | VND 280,000 |
| Cup-foot pallet 1200 | 1200×1000×140 | - | VND 320,000 |
3.3. Chemical spill containment pallets
| Model | Size (mm) | Sump capacity | Retail price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spill containment 1 drum 200L | 1300×1300×250 | 60 litres | VND 850,000 |
| Spill containment 2 drums 200L | 1650×1300×250 | 110 litres | VND 1,200,000 |
| Spill containment 4 drums 200L | 1300×1300×300 | 250 litres | VND 1,650,000 |
3.4. Heavy-duty steel-reinforced pallets
| Model | Size (mm) | Static load | Retail price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel-reinforced PP 1200×800 | 1200×800×150 | 5,000 kg | VND 1,800,000 |
| Steel-reinforced PP 1200×1000 | 1200×1000×150 | 6,000 kg | VND 2,800,000 |
3.5. Used reusable pallets
| Type | Size (mm) | Condition | Retail price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used HDPE grade A | 1100×1100 | 80-90% remaining | VND 150,000 |
| Used HDPE grade A | 1200×1000 | 80-90% remaining | VND 180,000 |
| Used PP grade B | 1100×1100 | 60-70% remaining | VND 95,000 |
Reference prices for May 2026, excluding 10% VAT. Wholesale from 20 units: additional 10-15% discount. Contact us for an exact quote based on quantity.
4. Plastic vs wooden vs pressed-sawdust pallets - real 5-year cost
Many businesses choose wooden or pressed-sawdust pallets because the initial purchase price is lower. However, when you calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO) over 5 years including repurchase, repair, cleaning and fumigation fees, virgin HDPE plastic pallets usually have a lower real cost from year 2-3.
| Criteria | Softwood pallet | Pressed-sawdust pallet | Virgin HDPE plastic pallet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial purchase price | VND 85,000-120,000 | VND 70,000-100,000 | VND 380,000-490,000 |
| Average lifespan | 1-2 years (3-5 trips) | 6-18 months (1-3 trips) | 7-10 years (50-100 trips) |
| Repurchases over 5 years | 3-4 times | 4-6 times | 0 times |
| ISPM-15 fumigation cost | USD 1-5/unit/batch | USD 1-5/unit/batch | Exempt (VND 0) |
| Cleaning/washing cost | Hard to wash, absorbs water | Cannot be washed | Pressure wash, sanitize |
| Usable in cold storage | Limited, prone to mold | Not suitable | Good, down to -40°C |
| Export to EU/US/Japan | Needs ISPM-15 + paperwork | Needs ISPM-15 + paperwork | Exempt - no paperwork |
| Estimated 5-year total / 100 units | VND 34-50 million | VND 35-60 million | VND 38-49 million |
TCO estimate based on 100 pallets sized 1100×1100 mm, 10 turns/year, 800 kg average load. Includes: purchase price, replacement cost, and fumigation twice a year for the export scenario.
The bottom line: plastic pallets pass the break-even point versus standard wooden pallets at around year 2-3. For export goods requiring repeated fumigation, the break-even point shortens to 12-18 months.
5. Plastic pallet applications by industry
Each industry has its own requirements for material, load capacity and hygiene standards. The table below is a quick guide to help procurement teams identify the right pallet line before requesting a quote.
| Industry | Suitable pallet line | Material | Specific requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food / beverage | Closed-deck, open-deck | Virgin HDPE | HACCP, GMP, sanitizable |
| Pharmaceutical / medical | Closed-deck HDPE, warehouse storage | Virgin HDPE (FDA-grade) | GMP, microbiologically clean, odorless |
| Electronics / FDI | Warehouse storage, cross-bar, steel-reinforced | Virgin HDPE or PP | ±1-2 mm tolerance for AGV/robots |
| Produce / seafood | Open-deck, warehouse storage | Virgin HDPE | Fast drainage, withstands -40°C |
| Logistics / distribution | Cup-foot, 3-runner, warehouse storage | Virgin or recycled HDPE | Nestable, 2/4-way entry |
| Chemicals / paint / oil | Spill containment, warehouse storage | Virgin HDPE | Leak collection, chemical-resistant |
| Container export | Export ISO/EUR/GMA | Recycled HDPE (light) | ISPM-15 exempt, standard sizes |
| Retail / supermarket | Cup-foot, open-deck | Virgin HDPE | Light, nestable for display |
6. Material comparison: virgin HDPE, recycled HDPE and PP
The three materials - virgin HDPE (V), recycled HDPE (R) and PP (polypropylene) - have significantly different mechanical properties. Choosing the wrong material is the most common reason pallets crack or warp early, especially in cold storage and racking environments.
| Criteria | Virgin HDPE | Recycled HDPE | PP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | High, consistent | Medium, variable | High, stiffer |
| Cold resistance (freezer) | Good, down to -40°C | Brittle below -5°C | Cracks easily below -10°C |
| Heat resistance | Up to 80°C | Up to 70°C | Up to 100°C |
| Stiffness | Medium, tough | Lower than virgin | Highest of the three |
| Relative price | 100% (reference) | 65-80% | 90-110% |
| Cold storage suitability | Best | Not suitable | Limited (> -10°C) |
| Food-grade / HACCP | Compliant (FDA-grade) | Not guaranteed | Compliant (if virgin) |
| Color consistency | Uniform, stable | Uneven, speckled | Uniform (if virgin) |
Material selection summary:
- Virgin HDPE: choose when you need food-grade, cold storage, heavy loads or maximum lifespan. It is the safest choice for most applications.
- Recycled HDPE: only suitable for internal warehouses with no food-grade requirement, room temperature and low turnover. Saves 20-35% on initial cost.
- PP: choose when you need high stiffness and better heat resistance, combined with a steel core for heavy loads. Avoid in freezers below -10°C.
7. ICD Checklist - 5 questions before buying plastic pallets
Answer all 5 questions below before placing an order to avoid buying the wrong line, which causes waste or warehouse safety risks.
1. What is the actual load - dynamic or static?
Dynamic load is the load while a forklift is moving with goods on the pallet - this is the decisive spec. Static load is the load when sitting still on a rack, always 2-3 times higher than dynamic load. A common mistake is looking at a 4,000 kg static load and assuming a 3-ton forklift can be used - in reality the dynamic load is only 1,500 kg. Always confirm both figures with the supplier before signing the order.
2. Storage environment: temperature, humidity, chemical contact?
Freezers below -5°C: virgin HDPE is mandatory; do not use recycled HDPE or PP. Chemical warehouses: confirm the specific chemical to select a suitably chemical-resistant plastic grade. Outdoor storage: requires UV-stabilized HDPE, not ordinary PP, which becomes brittle and fades after 6-12 months.
3. What type of forklift, and how many entry directions are needed?
4-way electric forklift: requires a cross-bar or 4-way-entry warehouse pallet. Hand pallet truck: requires a 3-runner or cup-foot pallet so the forks slide in easily. AGV/robot systems: require a steel-reinforced pallet with a ±1-2 mm dimensional tolerance. Confirm the forklift fork opening (usually 150-175 mm) matches the pallet entry.
4. Are you exporting? To which markets?
Export to the EU, US, Australia, Japan: wooden and sawdust pallets must carry an ISPM-15 certificate (heat treatment or methyl bromide fumigation). Plastic pallets are fully exempt from this under IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) regulations. If you ship frequently, the fumigation savings can offset the price difference of plastic pallets within 12-24 months.
5. Initial purchase budget or 5-year lifecycle cost?
If a one-time budget is capped below VND 200,000/unit: consider grade-A used plastic pallets or recycled HDPE pallets. If considering the lifecycle: virgin HDPE pallets usually have a lower TCO from year 2-3 versus wood and pressed sawdust, especially once you add ISPM-15 and replacement-due-to-damage costs.
8. Common mistakes when buying plastic pallets
After 15 years advising hundreds of industrial-park factories on pallets, these are the 5 mistakes that repeat and force businesses to repurchase early or face safety risks.
Mistake 1: Using PP or recycled HDPE in a freezer warehouse
Both PP and recycled HDPE become brittle and prone to cracking below -5°C. Many seafood plants use cheap PP pallets in a -18°C freezer and find the feet cracking after 2-3 months. Solution: only use virgin HDPE explicitly rated for “sub-zero temperature” in its specifications.
Mistake 2: Looking at static load instead of dynamic load when using a forklift
A 4,000 kg static load does not mean the pallet can withstand a forklift moving 3 tons. When a forklift travels over uneven floors or small ramps, the force on the pallet can be 1.5-2 times the nominal dynamic load. Check the dynamic load spec and ensure at least a 20% safety margin.
Mistake 3: Buying recycled pallets for food or pharmaceuticals
Recycled HDPE comes from diverse collected packaging - it is inconsistent and may contain impurities that affect food safety. A HACCP or GMP audit will not accept recycled pallets in production and packaging areas. Only use FDA-grade virgin HDPE in these areas.
Mistake 4: Glossy epoxy floors combined with glossy-surface plastic pallets
Smooth glossy-surface plastic pallets on chemical-resistant epoxy floors (the ultra-glossy type) create extremely low friction. When a forklift changes direction suddenly, the pallet can slide. Ask the supplier for an anti-slip pallet surface texture or raised ribs if your warehouse uses epoxy floors.
Mistake 5: Not checking dimensional tolerance for AGV or AS/RS systems
Robotic AGV systems and automated AS/RS warehouses require a pallet dimensional tolerance of ±1-2 mm. Ordinary plastic pallets have a ±3-5 mm tolerance due to post-molding shrinkage. If you are installing an automated system, only use steel-reinforced pallets or AGV-specific lines with a tolerance certificate from the manufacturer.
9. Related articles about plastic pallets
10. Frequently asked questions about plastic pallets
1. How many years does a virgin HDPE plastic pallet last?
Virgin HDPE (V) lasts 8-10 years under normal use (correct loading, room temperature). PP pallets last 5-7 years. Recycled HDPE pallets last 3-5 years. This is why virgin HDPE plastic pallets usually have a lower TCO than wood from year 2-3 despite the higher initial price.
2. What is the maximum load capacity of a plastic pallet?
It depends on the line: ordinary pallets handle 800-1,500 kg dynamic and 2,000-4,000 kg static. Steel-reinforced pallets handle up to 2,000 kg dynamic and up to 6,000 kg static. Always check the dynamic load, since that is the figure that applies when a forklift is moving - not the static load.
3. How do HDPE and PP differ in warehousing applications?
HDPE is tougher and more cold-resistant (down to -40°C for virgin), suited to cold storage and food goods. PP is stiffer and more heat-resistant (up to 100°C) but brittle at sub-zero temperatures. For most ordinary warehousing applications, virgin HDPE is the safer choice.
4. Do plastic pallets need to comply with ISPM-15 for export?
No. ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No.15) is a phytosanitary standard applying to wood packaging material. Plastic pallets are fully exempt - no fumigation, no IPPC certificate required. This is one of the main reasons high-frequency exporters switch to plastic pallets.
5. What are plastic pallet prices in May 2026?
Prices range from VND 95,000 (used grade-B PP 1100×1100) to VND 2,800,000 (steel-reinforced PP 1200×1000, 6,000 kg static load). Virgin HDPE pallets sized 1100×1100 are usually VND 380,000-420,000/unit, and 1200×1000 around VND 450,000-490,000/unit depending on the line. Wholesale from 20 units gets an extra 10-15% off.
6. Can plastic pallets be used in a freezer (-18°C)?
Yes, but only with virgin HDPE. Virgin HDPE retains its toughness down to -40°C. Recycled HDPE and PP start to become brittle and prone to cracking below -5°C to -10°C. For a freezer warehouse, ask the supplier to confirm in writing that the product is virgin HDPE and has been tested for sub-zero temperatures.
7. How many plastic pallets can be stacked?
Cup-foot pallets nest 20-30 units (saving 70% of floor space when not in use). Warehouse storage and closed-deck pallets typically stack 5-8 units. Do not stack loaded pallets beyond the static load - the load accumulates onto the bottom pallet.
8. Plastic pallets vs pressed-sawdust pallets, which is better?
It depends on the use case. Pressed-sawdust pallets are cheap (VND 70,000-100,000) but short-lived (6-18 months), cannot be washed and need ISPM-15 for export. Plastic pallets cost more upfront but last 7-10 years, are washable and ISPM-15 exempt. For frequent export goods, plastic pallets are cheaper over the 5-year total cost.
9. Are plastic pallets food-grade and HACCP-compliant?
Virgin HDPE meets FDA (US) standards and is accepted within HACCP and GMP management systems. Recycled HDPE is not guaranteed because the raw material source varies. When buying for a food or pharmaceutical plant, ask the supplier for a Certificate of Conformance or a raw-material origin declaration.
10. Which size fits a 40-foot container best?
A standard 40-foot container (interior width 2,352 mm) best fits 1100×1100 mm pallets placed two across (total 2,200 mm, leaving 152 mm clearance). 1200×1000 mm pallets placed lengthwise also fit. EUR export pallets (1200×800) allow more flexible arrangement and usually save space better in a reefer container.
11. Can a cracked plastic pallet be repaired?
Small cracks can be plastic-welded, but the post-repair load capacity drops 20-30% versus the original. Pallets with cracked feet or a cracked main beam should be replaced, not kept under heavy loads. ICD buys back used plastic pallets for recycling - contact us for the current buyback price.
12. What is ICD’s delivery lead time?
In-stock items in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City: delivered within 24-48 hours. Large orders (over 500 units) or special lines (steel-reinforced, large-capacity spill containment): 5-7 business days. Nationwide delivery via shipping partners, with VAT invoices issued on delivery.
11. Contact and quote for ICD plastic pallets
ICD Vietnam Manufacturing & Industrial Co., Ltd
North: 3rd Floor, Thang Long A1 Building, Bau Hamlet, Thien Loc Commune, Hanoi - 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186
South: 551/212 Le Van Khuong, Tan Thoi Hiep, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City - 098 6784 186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn
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VAT invoices - In stock - Nationwide delivery 24-48h - 2-year manufacturer warranty
